Improved catoptric lighting apparatus



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Catoptric Lighting Apparatus No. 41,432. Patented Feb. 2, 1864.

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N. PETERS Pboio-Limcgrnphar. Washington. I10v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM HODGINS, OF ALBANY, NEW YORK.

IMPROVED CATOPTRIC LIGHTING APPARATUS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 41,432, dated February 2, IP64.

To all whom. it may concern:

Be it known that l, VVILLLAM HODGINS, of Albany, in the county of Albany and State of New York, have invented a new and improved catoptric lighting and ventilating apparatus for churches and other buildings, while at the same time it forms a ventilator and takes oi the im pure air, and from the peculiar shape of the reflector the rays of light are reflected over a larger area than by other contrivunces,

- and possesses other advantages which will be herein set forth.

The nature of my invention consists in constructing a frame of a circular or other suitable shape with an Argand or other suitable burner placed in the center and provided with a glass chimney in the usual manner. A reflector is placed above the light and is made of a suitable form to reflect the rays of light equally over a large area.

The frame, which is ornamented to suit the architectural design of the building, is provided with a hemispherical groundglass shade, which subdues the light when passing through. Between the ornaments on the outside of the frame openings are made to admit air within the hemispherical ground glass shade to supply the burner. Said openings also carry oft the impure air through an opening in the ceiling into the roof or foul-air lines.

"The smoke from the burner is carried off by an independent smoke pipe placed directly over the burner, and is provided with an outer casing pierced at the base to admit a circulation of cold air around said smoke-pipe, and thereby avoid all danger of fire by contact with the heated pipe.

The smoke-pipe is supported by a light iron frame resting loosely in notches in the ceilingopening, so as to be easily removed to facilitate cleaning.

The reflector is constructed of silvered copper or other suitable material, the sectional profile being formed of reversed curves modified according to circumstances to secure the reflection of light over a greater or less area. It is supported by spurs or brackets secured to the back of therreflector and resting loosely on the flange of the i'rameor on the hp of the hemispherical glass shade.

y A space is left between the periphery of the reflector and the inner circumference of the hemispherical ground-glass shade for the admission of air to the burner, which is situated in the center of the chamber formed. by the reflector and. the hemispherical glass shade or basin.

The isolation of the flame in this chamber prevents the heat and deleterious effects of combustion from entering the room, and provides for their immediate removal through the independent smoke-pipe and outer casin g when the valves or lids are closed, which is necessary when the building is being warmed, but after reaching a given temperature they are opened and the heat of the burner and independent smoke'pipe causes an increased current of air and forms a ventilating and lighting apparatus at the same time.

The peculiar shape and position of the reflector utilizes all the rays of light-and permits enough to be transmitt d through the glass to illuminate the ceiling, which would otherwise and by all other means he in deep shade, thereby economizing very materially in the consumption of the gas or other illuminating material.

I have fully tested my invention by putting it in practical operation in a church, and find that it works well, gives a greater quantity of light with a small amount of gas, and ventilates the building perfectly.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe it, and certify that the accompanying drawings are a full and correct representation of the same, like letters corresponding with like parts.

Figure l in the upper drawing represents a longitudinal section of the apparatus; Fig. 2, a side elevation of the same. The lower drawing represents the interior of a church with provided with a lip, 0, around the edge which rests upon a flange, D, on the lower part of the ornamental frame A.

E is the Argand or other suitable burner in the center of the apparatus.

F is the supply gas pipe; G, the chimney for the bum e: E.

H is the reflector, supported by spurs on brackets h, which rest upon the flange D.

I is the independent smoke-pipe provided with the outer casing, J; K, the openings in the base of the same to admit air.

L is a light iron frame in which the casing Jis suspended. Said frame rests on notches in the wood-work of the ceiling opening 13.. M and N are the hinged covers or valves secured to the top of opening B to regulate the draft.

The air passes through the openings between the ornaments of the frame, and also through the small openings near the bottom. From thence it passes through the space between the hemispherical ground glass shade and the edge of the reflector, as indicated by the red arrows in the drawings. The air also passes up through the openings in the ceilings when the covers or valves M and N are open. When closed, the air passes through the independent pipe I and the outer casing, J.

I claim- 1. The perforated ornamental frame A, secured to the opening or chamber B, and provided with the hemispherical glass shade or basin 0, and reflector H, inclosing the burner E, and forming a combined lighting and ventilatin g apparatus, substantially as set forth.

2. The independent smoke-pipe I, provided with the outer casing, J, and openings K K, when used in combination with the opening or chamber B and valves or covers M N, substantially as and for the purpose SIM citied.

WILLIAM HODGINS.

Witnesses CHAS. G. NICHOLS, FRED W. BROWN. 

